Thanks for the memories from a $50 book award to a $10,000 scholarship. A 43 year history of impacting the Madison Community. A 40-year commitment to fostering education through Scholarships.
Women In Focus welcome students, families, donors and friends, to celebrate rejoice and continue the historic legacy at the Goodman Community Center. The room was buzzing with conversation. A purple table hosting giveaways to the guests of notebooks, coffee mugs and bags with the WIF logo.
A gallery of photos, awards and memorabilia for all to remember and enjoy. A delightful array of delicious, refreshments, Croissants and Pinwheels of Ham, Turkey and Roast Beef, Salads Veggies, Fruit and mouthwatering delicious Cakes.
A welcome by president Kendra Gassner. A historical review of the last 43 years of Women In Focus by founding member, Verona Morgan. An introduction of the Legacy Historical 13-minute video by member Michelle Heitzinger, produced by “Big Dreamer United” founders Lea Culver and John Urban. A Thank You to supporters and donors by member Sally Hestad.
Now the headliner the essence of the day 25 scholarships given, 10 one year, 13 two year 1 four year plus the annual Miss Milele Chikasa Anana scholarship. We also acknowledged our 2025 two-year scholars, 7 two year and 1 four year. A total of $1,023,500 in Scholarships awarded.
To date Women In Focus Inc. reached a total of supporting 506 students in Dane County to pursue their educational opportunities. We are overjoyed with gratitude by exceeding our $1 million goal.
We are grateful to our sponsors, donors and many who attend our signature Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Ball annually. Please add to your calendar January 16, 2027, at Monona Terrace 6 PM.
Hope to see you there THANK YOU.
Edith Lawrence-Hilliard, member 42 years
Our 2025 Scholars Receiving their 2nd year scholarships:
Camila Cruz
Lina Arach
Yarielly Bautista Caballero
Jaylen Eubanks
Alleanah Hancock-Jammeh
Angie Barrera Gonzalez
Jhonny Mejia
Lavell Rattliffe
2026 Ms. Milele Chikasa Anana Scholarship
James Reiter
Madison College
2026 WIF Scholars
Ayana Bellmon
Vel Philips Memorial Highschool
Janeth Reyes Florencio
Sun Prairie West High School
Sheila Gandjui
Madison East High School/ Madison College
TaiKiah Phillips*
UW Madison
Tandalaya Taylor*
UW stevens Point
DeAnthony McDaniel
DeForest Area Highschool
Janavi Patel
Sun Prairie West High School
Jazzlynn Walker
La Follette High School/Madison College
Mallak Gadelhak
Middleton High School
Miracle Rainey
Madison East High School
Ousman Njai
Monona grove high school
Owen Ayite Atayi
Verona Area High School
Saidu Njie
Madison East High School
Wilson Foueppe
Madison East High/ Madison College
Ziairra Cockrell
Memorial high/ Madison College
Alyne Espinoza
Madison East High School
Destiny Wallace
Vel Phillips Memorial High School
Ja’Mya Calloway
Madison East High School
Jasmine Teobal Flores
West High School
London-Marie Tafor
Vel Phillips Memorial High School
Neveah Conklin
Madison East high school
Tasha Noel
Capital High School
Vanaysha Souphakdy
Monona Grove High School
*Jan Studesville Scholar(s)
